Danish rail improvements to be a reality thanks to EU support

Creation date: November 8, 2013

The European Union will co-finance with €11.5 million from the TEN-T Programme a project to electrify the last missing section on the Copenhagen-Esbjerg rail line and build a new track to the Port of Esbjerg.

The project, which was selected for funding under the 2012 TEN-T Annual Call, will install an electric overhead system with associated power supply units throughout the entire 57 km double track line from Esbjerg to Lunderskov, in Denmark. The TEN-T funds will also support the upgrade of the existing line from Esbjerg main station to its port, as well as two 450 metre tracks connecting the main railway system directly with the Port of Esbjerg's terminal area.

Completion of the project will eliminate a bottleneck and optimise modal shift. The electrification of the railway line will have a very positive impact on the environment by reducing pollutant emissions and contribute to better re-balancing of transport modes in favour of rail.

The initiative will be monitored by the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA) and is set to be completed by the end of 2015.